Friday, February 26, 2010

God is at Work!

Do you ever have those weeks where you don't have even a moment to sit down and take a rest and just do nothing? I'm not saying that I haven't had any free times over the past...(woah) 5 months, but it has been very busy. I want to apologize because I was hoping to update this blog much more often.

Maybe I can just blame it on boys. They have a way of taking up all of your free time. And I have found a boy. His name is Kevin, and he is wonderful. He's the youth pastor at the church I attend, ECB (Evangelical Church of Bangkok). We have so many things in common including a passion for the lost and the same exact birthday (we'll both be turning 24 on the 20th of March). It's been really cool growing in the Lord together as we seek His will about the future and as we both serve in this lost country.

There's no way I can catch you up on all that's been happening the last 5 months of my life and I'm sure even if I could, you wouldn't want to read it because it would be long and boring. Thus, I will just give you some of the highlights.

Youth Group
I have been helping out with youth group at ECB. Contrary to popular beliefs, I did want to work with them before the time of "Kevin and me". It's been really cool to get connected to the church in this way, to make friends, and to encourage the youth to follow Jesus.

4th Grade
I only have a month left in this school year with my Grade 4 students. It's been awesome to see God work in the last couple of weeks. One of my students, Minnie, who I've seen questioning and struggling and pondering this year, finally told me that she believes in God! I'm not sure I've ever felt so much joy. She believes! And over the past couple weeks I've seen that belief become real to her! One morning after our morning prayer she raised her hand and said, "Miss Jill? While we were praying Mo was putting something on my face. I want to believe in Jesus, but how can I when people are distracting me?" She wants to do everything she can to grow more in the Lord, and it's awesome! She's very verbal about her belief and I'm just so excited to see what God will do because Minnie is very outspoken and she is well liked and I truly believe God will use her to bring many others to Christ. Minnie is not the only one I've seen the Holy Spirit working in. It's so cool because I know it isn't anything I've said or done, I know it's completely God's moving and for some reason He's allowed me to be part of the amazing things that are happening! Would you pray for two specific students in my class who are really questioning right now? Their names are Kelly and It.

The last 5 months
I went to Mai Sot (on the Burmese border) and the Chiang Mai in October.
In November Kevin and I started dating. =)
My parents visited me in December and we went to Southern Thailand beaches (beautiful) and to Vietnam.
January was full of what...I can't remember.
I'm glad February is over because it's been a stressful month trying to get a lot of things done for work.

Next Year
Well, when I came here I had no idea what was going to happen. I didn't know what the school was like, I knew little about Thailand, I didn't have any friends. Now almost 9 months later, God is calling me to come back for another year. I see God at work, not only in the school, but in Bangkok! I know he's moving and I want to be a part of it! I will be going home for April and May. I arrive home April 8 the day before my sister Cassie is scheduled for her c-section. I come back to Thailand the day after my friend Danielle's wedding on June 6th. I'm excited to be back next year! I'm trusting that God is going to do amazing things!

As I was reading in Nahum the other day, this verse caught my attention. It says, "Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace. Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed." I know this is speaking of Judah in the Old Testament, but how cool would it be if Bangkok would be completely changed by the Lord! I see God at work. Minnie is going to be a light for Christ! Her feet are going to "bring good news." Many others will be lights for Christ and as they proclaim peace. When that day comes that people believe there will be something to celebrate!

My love to all of you! Hopefully I'll get to see you when I'm home on break!


Followers